Helen Luella Bristow, 90, of Hemet, passed away on wednesday June 18, 2014 at Manor Care in Hemet. Helen was born in Sterling, CO to Viola and Ethan Bradley on Sept 22, 1923, the youngest of five children. Most of her childhood was spent in Colorado and Nebraska, where she graduated from McCook High School. She moved to Southern California and attended UCLA, pledging to Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, and graduating with a Bachelor’s degree. While attending UCLA she met Bob Bristow, student at USC, on a blind date. Following graduation they married in July 1947.

Making their home in Southern California, Helen and Bob raised their family, pursued their careers and met many life-long friends while living in Hawthorne. Helen worked many years as Accountant at UCLA Hospital. Upon retirement, they moved to Hemet and enjoyed numerous activities while they resided at Seven Hills. During that time Helen enjoyed pursuing hobbies such as oil painting and golf. Travel throughout the US and abroad, as well as numerous ocean cruises, was also a part of retirement that Helen enjoyed.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, of 59 years. She is survived by her children, Steven (Patt) of San Jose, Bradley (Bev) of Hemet, Janet (Dewey) Garwood of Pleasanton, CA, and Laurie (Mike) Meneley of Livermore, CA; 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and companion, Dale Kinsman.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the American Diabetes Association.